By Jessica Brody
Whether your pet is a brand-new puppy or a senior dog, they likely bring immeasurable joy to your life. Yet watching your canine get older – and even experience pain – isn’t easy. Caring for your aging pet can be challenging, but there are ways to enhance their life and celebrate the time they have left.
Handle Behavior Issues Positively
Maybe your older pup has never learned the basic commands that can help keep them safe – like heel and stay. Or you might worry about your pet barking themselves hoarse when you leave the house. Whatever behavior challenges your senior dog is facing, it’s never too late to train them correctly. With positive training from Canine Curiosity, you and your canine companion can learn to overcome challenges together.
Be Sneaky About Pain Medication
Taking medication may be an essential part of your pet’s day. In most cases, though, convincing your pup to take a pill isn’t enjoyable. One way to ensure they take their medicine is by combining high-quality treatment with tasty snacks.
For example, many pet owners give their animals CBD oil to help treat inflammation, pain, and even anxiety. Tempting your pooch with well-reviewed and high-quality CBD treats is a smart way to guarantee you’re giving them a reputable product. Just make sure to research your pet’s condition and consider the necessary dosage for their size and temperament.
If your canine absolutely must swallow their meds, The American Kennel Club recommends a few strategies for giving pills. Using a pill pocket or hiding the medication inside a piece of cheese may be the only sneaky trick you need. Alternatively, a pill device can help you get the medicine in quickly, though this method can cause undue stress in some older dogs.
Schedule Doggie Daycare
While it’s likely necessary for you to leave your furry friend at home while you go to work or school, older dogs especially benefit from companionship. Experts caution against leaving your dog alone for 10 to 12 hours every day while you’re away. Not only can pups become lonely, but senior dogs might need encouragement to enjoy their meals and stay hydrated.
Making arrangements for a pet sitter is an excellent idea when you’ll be gone longer than normal, and especially if you’re going out of town. You can even schedule a pup sitter for daily walks so your dog has something to look forward to each day, even when you’re not there. You can easily find a pet sitter online, but be sure to do your research and ask for references of any potential candidate.
Consider Senior Pet Insurance
Unfortunately, no canine can live forever. Senior pets may also incur larger vet bills when they become ill or sustain an injury. To help plan for those events, consider senior pet insurance that covers your dog for illness and accidents. A medical discount plan is another option that could offer flat-rate services when your pup needs them.
If you’re already paying out of pocket for veterinary care, consider seeking financial assistance to make it more manageable. At the very least, inquire whether your vet’s office allows payment plans or offers its own flat-rate packages for preventative and emergency care.
Pamper Your Pooch
Just spending time together will likely be enough to set your canine’s tail wagging, but there are other ways to pamper them without feeding unhealthy treats or worsening joint pain or other conditions.
In warmer months, taking your pet swimming can serve as mild therapy. For dogs that have trouble getting around, being in the water can feel therapeutic. Massage is another hands-on way to spoil your dog that lets you bond, too. Aromatherapy may be another relaxation option – if your pet doesn’t have sensitivities to scents or safe essential oils.
No matter how old your canine companion is, taking the best care of them is always a priority. With these ideas, you can pamper your dog regardless of their condition or age. Luckily, it doesn’t take much to make your dog happy, even if they’re slowing down a bit.
Photo via Unsplash
Jessica is a dog lover and is passionate about sharing pet photos and stories with others. She created Our Best Friends to be a venue for pet lovers to share their pet pics, stories and adventures. Jessica believes that pets are family and enjoys her bonding moments with her furry pals.